How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

Disability is the interaction between an impairment and social, physical, institutional and attitudinal barriers, not merely an individual medical condition.

Exclusion from schooling, employment, transport, digital services and political participation violates equality and wastes human capability. Intersectional disadvantages affect women, children, rural persons and persons with psychosocial or multiple disabilities more severely. Accessibility is therefore a rights and development requirement.

India needs effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, universal design, accessible buildings and transport, assistive technology, inclusive education, skilling and employment incentives. Disability-disaggregated data, social protection and community-based rehabilitation should guide budgets. Persons with disabilities must participate in policy design.

Moving from charity to rights, autonomy and participation will make inclusion measurable through accessibility audits, grievance redress and accountable institutions.

social model, reasonable accommodation, universal design, accessibility, RPwD Act